Welcome Your New Expert Interview Series: Gary Stairs, New Expert in The Energy Collective - [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Expert Interview]
Originally posted here.
The utility industry is one that, for years, had a reputation of being slow-to-move, keeping a particularly risk averse posture. While that tendency has come with good reason surrounding the unique aspects of the utility business model, today the power sector is evolving and embracing innovation more than it ever has. What that creates is a bit of a dichotomy, where some of the leading voices still have the traditional way of thinking and where newer influencers who are making waves are bringing more revolutionary ways of thinking to the table.
In our official Energy Central Network of Experts, we find it valuable to have representation from all of these perspectives and are always excited to welcome some of the voices who are more of ‘dreamers’ in the space. That fact holds especially true for our group known as The Energy Collective where we discuss the broader sustainability aspects of energy, and we recently welcomed just such a voice to be an expert in The Energy Collective who may just shake things up: Gary Stairs.
To kick off his Expert status, Gary sat down for the latest entry in our Energy Central Power Perspectives ‘Welcome New Expert Interview Series.’’
Matt Chester: Thanks for agreeing to be one of our experts, Gary. Let’s begin by learning about your pathway to the energy sector. What is your role in the industry and what led you to that point?
Gary Stairs: Thanks for the opportunity to speak. In a way, I would say that the pathway is Back to the Future since, at present, I am re-entering the sector after an extended hiatus. The journey began ages ago with summer employment in both power pole-setting and reading electrical meter-reading in my province’s capital city. From there, it morphed over time into careers in nuclear communications and then public affairs. Fortuitously, along the way, I also earned a master’s degree on the social and economic impact of tidal energy in the renowned Bay Fundy – home to the highest tides in the world. (60+ feet)
More recently, I’m tiptoeing back through conversations with public school educators about electrical energy careers, renewables and energy conservation. It has been a wonderful journey through the sector and feels like it is just beginning, as paradoxical as that sounds.
Read the rest of the article here.